$10,000 Elevator Pitch Competition: Are You a Winning Entrepreneur?

Many have watched Shark Tank, where contestants pitch products and businesses in hopes of garnering big bucks. But more need to know about Black Enterprise’s 2015 Elevator Pitch Competition searching for the best 60 second pitch that’ll win $10,000 at BE’s 2015 Entrepreneur’s Summit. “The Elevator Pitch Competition was the first time I ever pitched my business for financing,” says Gwen Jimmere, founder and CEO of Naturalicious, and winner of 2014’s Elevator Pitch Competition. “What I have gained in terms of relationships, mentorship and financing just by participating in and winning the Elevator Pitch Competition has been the single most beneficial thing I have done for my business. And it would never have happened if I just rested on my laurels.”

RELATED: Tips from a Winner: How to Come Out the Victor at Elevator Pitch Competitions

Sending your 2-3 minute video pitch might make you like Jimmere. Pitches should be uploaded to YouTube explaining the business focus, how money is made, products or services it offers, and how winning the elevator competition can be used as a bolstering opportunity. Ten semi-finalists will be chosen and offered free admission for two to the 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit to make a 60-second pitch to win $10,000. “Having been a part of the Elevator Pitch Competition was phenomenal, of course, because I won. But even more than winning the $10,000, just being a finalist in the competition provided me a platform to pitch my business to every person in the room,” says Jimmere. “There are only so many people you can meet in a given few days, but by being in the competition, all eyes were on me and what I had to say about my business. Because of this, I had some people in the audience approach me about investing, others actually became customers and purchased Naturalicious hair care products on-site, and even post-event I have made some really amazing friends who just happen to be millionaire business people who I am blessed to learn from. I cannot recommend the BE’s Entrepreneur’s Conference enough.”

Deadline to enter is Friday, April 17, 2015.

The 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide, May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Be sure to enter our Elevator Pitch Competition to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.